Don’t Compare Your Bonus, Raise, or Salary to Other Nannies

I confess, since Christmas I am tired of hearing nannies complain about getting a smaller holiday bonus than their other nanny friends. If you feel upset that you make less, haven’t had a raise, or had a smaller bonus than other nannies I urge you to stop comparing your job and salary to other nannies.

Raises and bonuses aren’t a given. If you want a raise or bonus you have to earn it. Suze Orman, author of The Money Class: Learn to Create Your New American Dream says you should not automatically expect to get an annual raise simply because of the amount of time you have worked at a job, but to earn your raise by making yourself essential to your employers.

When it is time to ask for a raise, know all your accomplishments, exactly how you have contributed, and you have delivered specifically.Be the Best Nanny Newsletterand other nanny industry experts recommend parents and nannies base raises on job performance.

At a bare minimum nannies must ensure they arrive to work on time, are reliable, self-motivated, communicate clearly, demonstrate good judgment, and maintain confidentiality of family private matters.

Parents also must consider if the nanny has shown appropriate attention to child safety, child hygiene, appropriate play and activities, preparation of nutritious meals, and if the nanny disciplines consistent with parents’ wishes.

Other duties parents look for in a nanny with a good attitude is a caregiver that is willing to wipe-up messes, wash and fold the children’s laundry, and light pick-up of the children’s area.

If you cannot say you have accomplished the above basic nanny job expectations it might not be the right time to ask for a raise. Once you consistently accomplish the minimum of tasks and skills listed above and more, you could consider asking for a raise.

If you are happy with your job be grateful to have a job when so many are unemployed and underemployed. Don’t compare your salary, bonus, and benefits to other nannies if it makes you question whether you are satisfied with your job.